The 10th Amendment

It is important for all Vermonters to take a careful look at a nationwide movement that seeks to reaffirm a states right to sovereignty from federal actions. This is not a crazy secession idea; it’s a core tenet of the United States Constitution.

The Tenth Amendment defines the total scope of federal power as being that which has been delegated by the people to the federal government, and also that which is absolutely necessary to advancing those powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution of the United States. The rest is to be handled by the state governments, or locally, by the people themselves. The tenth amendment basically states that all powers not granted to the federal government under the constitution are left to the individual states to figure out.

This is not a liberal vs. conservative debate. Vermont is a very progressive state with a strong foundation in conservatism. In thinking about this topic, remember to cast aside politics for a moment. Vermont is on the frontline in the battle for many fundamental civil rights. With everything from medicinal marijuana to gun laws: Do we want the federal government dictating matters of local concern to us?

There is legislation pending in 37 states seeking to reaffirm this important concept. Remember that Vermont is a very small fish in a very big federal pond. Our leaders are best held accountable when government is local; the people of this state know what is best for them. It’s time to hold the federal government accountable to its own laws.